New Delhi: The 2026 Asia Cup is set to be held in September this year at a neutral venue despite India having the hosting rights for the continental tournament. The event will serve as a preparatory tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The previous edition of the Asia Cup was held in the ODI format ahead of the 2023 50-over World Cup in India. A source in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) told PTI that the tournament is likely to be staged in September in either UAE or Sri Lanka.
“The tournament will be held in September. India has the hosting rights but it will be played in UAE or Sri Lanka,” said a source in the Asian Cricket Council.
Asia Cup 2026: Neutral venue selection and implications
India-Pakistan clash will headline the eight-team tournament. If the fierce rivals reach the final, fans could witness their clash on the field as many as three times. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman and Hong Kong will be the participating nations in the continental event.
Though BCCI has the hosting rights for the 2026 event, the ACC is likely to host it in a neutral venue considering the frosty relations between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan to return the favour
After India refused to travel to Pakistan for the ongoing Champions Trophy, Pakistan are unlikely to travel to India as part of the deal between the two countries ahead of the 2025 CT. As per the deal, Pakistan will play at a neutral venue in any ICC tournament hosted by India until 2027.
India are playing all their Champions Trophy games in Dubai which is co-hosting the event with Pakistan, where the Men In Blue haven’t travelled due to security concerns. If India reach the final, the showpiece fixture, originally slated to be held in Karachi, will be played in Dubai.
The next T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and the Island nation is expected to host the marquee game between the two fierce rivals.
Defending champions India are the most successful nation in the continental event with eight titles across the two white-ball formats.
The 2026 Asia Cup will be held at a neutral venue (UAE or Sri Lanka) in September though the hosting rights are with India. This serves as a preparatory tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
